Tag Archives: disobedient

Hollywood has a way of portraying films that appear to be genuine, but add an unlikely hero to appeal to the masses. Although this may draw tears from some viewers, others may think quietly to themselves, “yeah right.” Teenagers tend to be truth detectors, not afraid to be blunt by cutting through the crap in life that exists. Despite this painful truth, every once in a while unlikely heroes do come forth.

By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given friendly welcome to the spies, Hebrews 11:31.

One of these which pops up in history is a prostitute from Jericho named Rahab. I guess you can say she was the Dolly Parton or her day except her whore house wasn’t in Texas. Nonetheless, God needed someone on the inside. While her occupation doesn’t fit the typical servant of God, this testimony reveals that the Lord can use anyone to fulfill His will.

And Salmon the father of Bo’az by Rahab, and Bo’az the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, Matthew 1:5.

Rahab may not have done much to receive the honor of being selected as a member of the Hall of Faith. Yet, she kept her word and held up her end of the bargain. This simple act of faith saved her families life and opened the door for becoming a distant relative of Jesus. Therefore, if you want to be an unlikely hero in the future, let faith guide you to the place where God can use you the most.

The term authority refers to a variety of things depending upon the context. Authority can mean jurisdiction, permission to act or delegated responsibility. In biblical terms, authority defines leadership, enabling an individual or group to have the power to make vital decisions. However, with obtaining this status, you can’t give what you don’t have.

In which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient, Ephesians 2:2.

Following Creation, God gave Adam authority over the Garden of Eden and the animals within. After Eve convinced Adam to sin by disobeying God’s lone rule, the Lord kicked them out, losing the authority they once possessed. This loss was Satan’s gain, obtaining rule over the air. While the names have changed, the Devil continues to encourage the disenchanted to give into temptation, walking in disobedience.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” Matthew 28:18.

According to the gospel, Jesus came to earth to seek and save that which was lost. Thus, authority can be regained through Jesus. However, unless you have entered into a personal relationship with Jesus, biblical authority is useless. On the other hand, when the words of the Bible become your guide to life, authority can be unleashed through prayer. Therefore, before you take God for granted, make sure you understand what you’re asking for.

USA Television’s drama Dig is another show in a long lists of programming trying to tap into the fascination with End Time Theology. Filmed in the Middle East, the main character is an FBI agent based in Jerusalem. While investigating the murder of an archeologist, he uncovers a 2000 year old conspiracy primed to change the course of history.

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, – 2 Timothy 3:2

Unfortunately, this flawed view is nothing more than revisionist history, following in the footsteps of the Da Vinci Code, Jesus Seminars and Gnosticism who seek to create doubt in the minds of Bible believing Christians. Like shrewd politicians, Hollywood thinks if you bombard society enough, repeating the same lie over and over again, sooner or later individuals will embrace these opinions as fact.

without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. – 2 Timothy 3:3-4

Yet, the educated, informed and students of biblical history have to look no further than 2 Timothy 3:1-9 to see what is happening. The world is transforming in front of us daily, fulfilling the words of the apostle Paul. Whenever you tune into cable news or listen to a update on the radio, breaking news reveals an act, crime or tragedy motivated by one of the selfish characteristics within 2 Timothy 3:1-9. If anyone wants to dig up end time theology, the Old Testament contains several prophecies that have come true with more still waiting before Jesus returns to earth. Thus, may the warnings of the Bible create a sense of urgency in souls to get their lives in order before the Second Coming catches you by surprise.

Usually, humans are the ones who question God. Rants such as “how can a loving God allow my child to die or why do bad things happen to good people while the wicked continue to prosper” is par for the course. Yet, have you ever considered that God is scratching His head up in heaven daily, trying figure out the actions of his children? Disappointed by Israel, His chosen nation, one too many times, God finally had enough, saying “adios.”

According to Psalm 95:10, God’s patience wore thin. Expecting the parting of the Red Sea to transform hearts for a generation, the Lord’s miracles were quickly forgotten. Faithless acts, hungry stomachs and spoiled souls unleashed the wrath of God upon a generation, Psalm 95:11. Essentially, God vowed not to let this disobedient generation experience the promised land. Instead, the Jews wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, prevented from tasting a land filled with milk and honey.

This lesson is similar to the words of the prophet Isaiah 1:15-20. When followers become distracted by sin, God tunes out their prayers. Subsequently, the Lord is waiting for believers to humble themselves, admit their wrong doing and reason with Him in prayer. Then and only then will you experience God’s blessings, Isaiah 1:19. However, if anyone attempt to take a short cut, don’t be surprised if God says adios.

Yesterday, I was taking a walk on a cart path just north of down town Wilmington. With a fence separating this golf course from nearby neighborhoods, I began to hear some commotion a few blocks away. Voices gradually increased in volume, leading to a fervent disagreement between 2 individuals. Others joined in yelling back and forth. Memories of school yard fights flashed before my mind. However, on this day, no fists, knives or guns were raised, just the sound of violence.

A few years ago in Newark, while having practice with my sons baseball team, I wasn’t as fortunate. When a suspicious car rolled slowly through an adjacent street, several rounds of bullets were fired. Before I knew it, I experienced my first drive by shooting, pulling the team quickly off the field into the building behind home plate. The gunman proceeded to cross a creek behind the left field foul line, run across a field and hid near the University of Delaware until a police helicopter found him about a half hour later. This time the sound of violence was too close for comfort.

The apostle Paul warned first century Christian’s that this day would come, 2 Timothy 3:1-5. His words were prophetic as children are regularly disobedient to adults and their parents. Junior high and senior high teachers are now front row witnesses since the sound of violence has entered the classroom, especially in public education. The consequence of this reality is persecution, with Christ absorbing this anger and hatred on the cross, Isaiah 53:3-11. May the hope of this fulfilled prophecy help you overcome the sound of violence.

Please comment on how God has helped you rise above the violence in our world.